Guy rod grounding clamp



' June 17, 1941. u c. HUBBARD 2,246,407

` "GUT-Ron GROUNDING CLAMP Filed Apri-1 1o, `1911.0 3 sheets-'sheet 1 June 17, l941. f Q -HUBBARD 2,246,407 Y GUY ROD GROUNDING VCLAMP Filed April 10, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet June 17, 1941. n. c. HUBBARD GUY ROD GROUNDING CLAMP Filed April l0, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 .e Patented June 17, 1941 our non GnouNnrNG CLAMP David C. Hubbard, Centralia, Mo., assigner to A. B. `Chance Company, Centralia, Mo., a corporationo! Missouri ,agpueau'on April 1o, 1940, serai No. 328,341

(ci. .e4-135) 12 Claims.

The present invention relates to guy rod grounding clamps, and is particularly concerned with an improved guy rod clamping structure adapted to provide a dependable mechanical and electrical pressure contact between the guy strand or cable and an anchorrod, where anchor rods are used as grounding rods.

Another object of the invention is the `provision of an improved guy rod grounding clamp adapted to maintain the substantially cylindrical shape of the guy strand or cable, for the purpose of avoiding the 4 meshing or ilattening of the cable, which would otherwise tend to destroy the cable and place unnecessary strain on certain of the `parts of the cable.v f

Another object of the invention is the provision of anl improved clamping device `for a Aguy rod, which, by virtue of itsl ilrm gripping action, tends to eliminate the abrasive action which 'occurs on the cable and anchor rod, due to causes such `as vibrations and slackness in the guy cable.4

Another object oi the invention is the provision of an improved electrical connecting device for guy rods and guy cables which assists the usual guy cable clamps in securing the cable to the anchor rod and provides additional se curity and strength for the installation.

Another object o! the invention is the profvision of an improvedelectrical connecting device for guy rods and cables which is simple in structure, capable of economical manufacture, sturdy, and adapted to be applied with a minimum amount of labor. l

. Another object of the invention is the provision of improved electrical connecting devices for guy rods and guy cables which include connecting members adapted to be wedged into engagement with the cable by means of a bolt or .other threaded means so as to assurea good electrical connection.

Another object of the invention is the provision of irriprovedl electrlcal'connecting devices oi the lclass described which are adapted to be used with guy rods adapted to receive two or three cables. 'I'he present application is based upon the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. l to 6, and the other modiilcations are Referring to the three sheets of drawings accompanying the speciilcation:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view taken on a plane at right angles to the surface o! the ground and parallel to a guy rod showing a guy rod and guy cable installation which is equipped with the present clamping device;

Fig. 2 is a full size side elevational view of a guy rod grounding clamp constructed according to the present invention:

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of the upper `part of the grounding clamp;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional viewtaken on a plane passing through the axis of the guy rod and the centerof the cable, with the cable and bolt in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a view in perspective of one `oi the clamping members;

Fig.'6 is an end elevational view of the clamping member of Fig. 5.

Fig. 'I is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing another xnodiiled form of clamping device;

Fig. 8' is a side elevational view oi the clamping memiber: e

Fig. 9 is an end plan view` or the clamping member of this modification;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 3 oi another modlilcation in which the electrical connector is used with a guy rod having grooves for two cables;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the clamping member of this modiilcation:

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the clamping member of this modication;

. Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 3 of another modification in which the guy rod is provided with grooves for three cables;

Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the clamping member used in this modification; and

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of the clamping member used in this modiilcatlon.

The present guy rod grounding clamp is particularly adapted to be used on electrical systems employing a grounded neutral conductor that is connected electrically to the various guy wires.

This is done to increase the grounding efilciency, and naturally the insulators in the guy `are eliminated. 'I'he clamp is adapted to aiiord a positive contact between the guy wire and the anchor rod, in order to assure a good electrical connection and a better ground for the anchor II and a guy rd I2. The anchor and the lower end of the guy rod may be of any of the various types, such as the expanding anchors, cone anchors, dead man anchors, etc., and the lower end of the guy rod may be provided with a point and a head, or may be threaded and provided with a nut I3 (Fig. 2)

'I'he guy, consisting of a steel cable I4, preferably galvanized, has its lower end passed through the eye I of the anchor rod, and the free end is secured above the eye I5 by means of anysuitable .type of cable clamp I6.

Referring to Figs. 2 to 4, these figures show the construction of the guy rod eye and the.

grounding clamp. The eye is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with a slightly convex impact surface I1 at its upper end, for engagement with the Sledge, in the event the anchor rod I2 is to be driven into the earth after it has served its purpose.

The cable I4 passes through the eye I5 and is adapted to engage in a groove I8 of substantially circular cross section, which is also a substantial t about the periphery of the cable I4; that is, the radius ofthe groove I8 is substantially equal to that of the cable I4.

The circular groove I8 is curved about a yoke I9, which has an inner surface that may be substantially, cylindrical in cross section, as shown in Fig. 4, so as to provide a curve of increased perimeter, about which the cable is bent.

The gradual curve 20 about the yoke I9 prevents the cable from bending sharply and tends to prevent flattening of the cable, and it lessens the difference in strain between the inner strand of the cable and the outer strands at the point of curvature. Together the substantially circular groove I8 and the gradual curve 20 in the eye I5 are adapted to maintain the shape of the cable at the eye such that it has a greater strength and is adapted to perform its functions for a longer period of time under greater loads than any devices which are otherwise constructed.

The eye I5 of the guy rod is preferably slightly elongated in a vertical direction over the devices of the prior art, so as to provide room for a threaded bolt 2I extending through the eye and through the clamping members 22, 23. In order that the, bolt 2| may have a firm seat in the eye I5, and to prevent teetering, the lower surface 24 of the eye may be substantially half cylindrical and of a size to be complementary to the external surface of the bolt 2I. The space between the cable I4 and the surface 24 may be such that it is just sumcient to receive the bolt 2|, or it may be larger.

The clamping members 22 and 23 may be identical in shape and construction, but are reversed as to location. Each of these clamping members comprises a cast metal member having a substantially cylindrical lower body 25, which is provided with a cylindrical through bore 26, having a loose t on the bolt 2|.

The cylindrical body 25 may be extended laterally at 21 and longitudinally at 28 to provide stock for a clamping jaw 29, which has .a substantially circular groove extending longitudinally of its outer surface. The circular groove 30 may terminate short of the fiat sides 3I, 32 of the clamping member so as to leave a pair of surfaces 33 at each side of the groove, and the groove is preferably curved longitudinally, as shown, at its line of contact 34 with the cable I4, in Fig. 4, so as to have the clamping surface 30 a substantial fit with the longitudinally cable I4 in the eye.

In particular, the clamping surfaces or grooves 30 .of the clamping members 22 and 23 are characterized by the absence of any sharp corners which might engage the cable and tend to cut or destroy any of its strands or wires. As the longitudinal extension 23 of the clamping member is narrower than the main body 25. it is adapted to be inserted into the eye space I5 in its engagement with the cable I4.

The assembly is made as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, where the.head 35 of the bolt engages the flat outer surface 36 of the clamping member 22, and urges it into engagement with the cable at one side, andthe spring washer 31 and nut 38 engage the outer surface 36 of the other clamping member 23, and urge it into engagement -with the other side of the cable I4.

The grooves 3II in the clamping members 22, 23 naturally tend to prevent rotation of the clamping members on the bolt 2I, and the nut 38 on the bolt may be tightened up on the threaded end 38 of the bolt to drive the clamping members into tightengagement with the cable.

Referring to the drawings (Figure 7), this is a modification in which a slightly diil'erent form of clamping member is employed. In this case the clamping member comprises a member, most l of the' surface of which is substantially frustoconical. Thus, the clamping members 50 and 5I of this embodiment are again identical and they are provided with the external frusto-conical surface 52. 'Ihe ends 53 and 54 may be flat and each clamping member may be formed with a centrally located through-bore 55 for passing a similar bolt 2 I.

'Ihe clamping member is, however, preferably provided with a pair oflaterally projecting ribs 56 and 51 which form the borders of a groove 58 which is partially circular in cross-section. Like the groove 30 previously described, the groove 58 is substantially complementary to the cable with which this connector is employed.

The element of the groove which is indicated by the line 59 in Fig. 8 may be one of the elements of the cone of which the frusto-conical surface 52 is a more complete development. It should also be noted that the frusto-conical surface 52 connects with the relatively at side surfaces 60 and 6I on both sides of the clamping member so as to give the clamping member sufiicient body to reenforce the walls of the groove 58. 4

In this embodiment of the invention the groove 58 is not curved longitudinally of its surface which engages the cable, but is substantially cylindrical. This gives a reduced area of contact between the walls of` the groove 58 and the cable,

but sufficient pressure 'may be exerted by means of the threaded bolt 2I to get a good electrical contact. In some other embodiments of the invention the groove 58 might be eliminated so that the clamping member would be a simple frusto-conical wedging member.

In the embodiment of Figs. 7 to 9, the clamping 'member also has a partially cylindrical surface 62 joining with the flat side surfaces 60. The operation of this connector is substantially the same as that of Figs. 1 to 6 except that the eye of the guy rod in this case may be larger in relation to the size of the clamping member and the clamping member itself may extend into the eye .in such manner that the frusto-conical surfaces frusta-.conical surface 52 may lnot engage the lower part of the eye, but the clamping members may be spaced farther apartrlike the clamping members 22 and 2l of Fig. 4. t

Referring tongs. 1Mo 12, there views shew another modification of the connector peculiarly adapted tobe used with a guy rod having grooves for two cables. Like the arrangements previous'- ly described, this modification includes two clampingrmembers il. Il of similar shape oppositely disposed on .the boltfl. Each clamping v.member may consist of an integral metal body having the inner and outer plane' surfaces il., and provided with a through-bore v91 adapted to receive the bolt 2l.

These clamping -membersil or 94 are also preferably provided with a frusta-conical surface 68 adapted to be wedged into the eye of the guy rod when the clamping member `is installed according to Fig. '1. Theclampingmember Il is also provided with'a partially cylindrical surface 'lll and with the laterally projecting ribs 1l 12, 13, which are separated by the grooves 1I, 1I.

Grooves 1l, 'l5 are vsubstantially cylindrical in form and are separated by the rib 12 which is of such width with relation to the separation between the grooves of the guy rod eye that grooves 14 and 15 are located to engage the cables when they are properly located inthe 'grooves of the eye as shownin Fig. 10. The sides` 1B, 11 of this member 99 taper gradually from the ribs V|I, 'I3 toward the frusto-conical surface 68.

I desire it to be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the grooves Il and 15 may be curved. longitudinally of the cable,as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 5,instead of being cylindrical. 'Ihe longitudinal curvature of the groove gives it a greater area of contactwith the cable-and permits a tighter clamping actionV without possibility of damage to the cable.

Referring to Figs. 13 to 15, these are views showing such a connector adapted to beV used with a guy rod having three cable grooves and arranged for use with three cables. In this case the clamping members 90 and 8l are again identical in construction and each may comprise an integral metal member provided with the upper and lower plane surfaces l2 and 83. The body of the clamp may have a frusta-conical surface 84 and a cylindrical surface BI and a through-bore 8B adapted to receive the bolt 2|.

In this embodiment the clamping surface of the member 80 is provided with the three grooves 81, 9B, 89, and with the fourlaterally projecting ribs 90, 9|, 92, 93. Dueto the location of the central cable groove in the guy rod eye, the ribs 9i and 92 project outward farther than the ribs 99 and 93 and the groove (i8 is located to engage' the central cable at the same time the grooves 81, 89 engagethe two side cables. Again the,

shape and location of the grooves are determined by the shape and location of the `cables when t they are installed in the eye.

of the eye.

well :as laterally, but in some embodiments" of thefhvention the grooves 81,499, Il, may be simi p1ecylindrical grooves.

The clamping members in this case may be arranged as shown in Fig. 4 with 'the clamping members merely engaging the cables and bolt, or they may be arranged as shown in Fim-l0 with the frusto-conical surface of the clamping members in wedging engagement with that portion ofthe eye that is,

One of the most important features oi' the invention lies in the wedging action between the cable eye and the clamping members and the cables, which assuresl a tight electrical contact. and this wedging action is brought about by tightening the bolt which holds the two clamp* ing members in -the eye against the cable or cables.

'Ihe `wedgin'g action is present between the cable and the clamping members in both types of installation, such as that of Fig. 4lk where the clamping members are wholly supported on the bolt.- and that of Fig. 10 where the clamping members` have their frusta-conical surfaces wedged into the eye of the guy rod. In the resiliency of the bolt may be brought into play,

for holding the clamping members resiliently against the cable.

It `will thus be observed that the present electrical connectors may be made in forms suitable for application to guy rods having one cable, two cables. or three cables.

As the clamping members fit the cable and as the groove Il in the eye fits the cable, the tight `mechanical and electrical contact between the cable and the guy rod is provided without any danger of deforming the cable or damaging its strands or wires.

-The ground clamp is adapted to provide further assurance against looseguys becauseit assists the cable clamp Il. The tight electrical and mechanical contact which is providedby this grounding clamp is independent of the strain or l slack in the guy wire, and a good ground is assured through the guy rod and anchor under all conditions. Y

Because of the firm gripping action between the grounding clamp cable and the guy rod. vibration no longer produces an abrasive action betweenv the guy cable and the anchor rod and the `galvanized covering ,of the guy strand and the guy rod are protected against. abrasion at their points of mutual contact. The lock washer on the bolt of the grounding clamp provides a measure of resilient clamping action between the clamping members and the cable, and prevents the nut from loosening due to vibration.

While I have illustrated a preferred embodi-V opposite to the cable grooves ends for engaging a pair of clamping members, and a pair of clamping members carriedby said bolt, each oi.' said clamping members being provided with a through bore for said bolt, and with a groove of substantially circular cross section complementary in shape to a cable adapted to be used in the eye of said guy rod.

2. Afguy rod grounding clamp structure comprising a bolt adapted to be passed through the eye of a. guy rod, said bolt having means at its ends for engaging a pair of clamping members, and a pair oi'. clamping members carried by said bolt, each of said clamxng members being provided with a. through bore for said bolt, and with -a groove of substantially. circular cross section complementary in shape to a cable adapted to be used in .the eye of said guy rod, said groove being curved longitudinally to correspond substantially to the longitudinal curvature of the cable in the eye.

3. In a. grounded guy rod assembly, the combination of a guy rod having an eye at its upper end, said eye being of suicient size' to pass a cable, and a through bolt, and said eye having a surface engaging one side ofsaid bolt, and a pair of clamping members carried by the opposite ends of said boltsaid bolt having a head, and threaded means for driving vsaid clamping members toward each other and toward the yoke of said eye, whereby a cable may be clamped between said clamping members and the yoke of said eye. I

4. A guy rod adapted to' be grounded, comprising an elongated metal member having a head provided with an eye at one end, the said eye having a, yoke provided with a groove of substantially circular cross section, and having an easy longitudinal curvature for engaging a cable, said eye having space to pass a cable and to pass a grounding clamp bolt, the part ofsaid eye adjacent said bolt being formed complementariiy to theextrnal surface of said bolt, to provide longitudinal support for the bolt.

5. In an electrical conductor for guy rods and cables, the combination of a threaded member adapted to extend through the eye of a guy rod and a pair of clamping members having apertures for receiving said .threaded member, said clamping members being arranged on the opposite sides of said guy rod and said clamping members having wedging surfaces for engagement with the cable in said guy rod whereby said threadedmember may draw the clamping men1- bers vintolftight electrical wedging engagement lWith the cable.

6. In an electrical connector for guy rods and cables, ,the combination of a. threaded member adapted -to extend through the eye of a guy rod and a pair of clamping members having apertures for receiving said threaded member, said clamping members being arranged on the opposite sides of said guy rod and said vclamping niembers having wedging surfaces for engagement with the cable carried by said guy rod whereby said threaded member may draw the clamping members into tight electrical wedging engagement with the cable, saidwedging surfaces being curved laterally toA correspond substantially to the lateral curvature of the cable in said guy rod.

7. In an electrical connector for guy rods and cables, the combination of a guy rod having an eye with cable means located in said eye and a bolt passing through said guy rod, said bolt having a pair of clamping members arranged on said bolt on opposite sides of said guy rod and said clamping members having wedging surfaces adapted to engage said cable means, and threadedV means on said bolt whereby the clamping means may be drawn into wedging engagement with said cable.

8. In a guy rod grounding clamp, the combination of a. guy rod having an eye, said eye being provided with a groove for receiving a cable and a grounding clamp comprising a bolt passing through the eye, said bolt having mounted upon it a. pair of clamping members, one at each side of said eye, and said clamping members having surfaces for engagingthe side of said cable passing through -said eye.

9. A guy rod grounding clamp structure comprising a. bolt adapted to be passed through the eye of a guy rod, said bolt having means at its ends for engaging a. pair of clamping members, andY a pair of clamping members carried by said bolt, each of said clamping members being provided with a through bore for said bolt, and with a groove of substantially circular cross section complementary in shape to a cable adapted to be used in the eye of said guy rod, each of said clamping members comprising a. body portion surrounding said bolt and provided with an outer thrust surface, said body portion having on one side an axial extension provided with said groove.

10. A guy rod grounding clamp structure comprising a bolt adapted to be passed through the eye of a guy rod, said bolt having means at its endsfor engaging a pair of clamping members, and a pair of clamping members carried by said bolt, each of said clamping members being provided with a through bore for said Ibolt, and with a groove of substantially circular cross section complementary in shape to a cable adapted to be used in the eye of said guy 'rod, each of said clamping `members comprising a body portion surrounding said -bolt and provided with an outer thrust surface, said body portion having on one side an axial extension provided with said groove, said axial extension having a groove engaging`the side of said bolt.

11.l A guy rod grounding clamp structure comprising a bolt adapted to be passed through the eye of a guy rod, said bolt having means at its ends for engaging a pair of clamping members, and a pair of clamping members carried by said bolt, each of said clamping members being provided with a through bore for said bolt, and with a groove of substantially circular cross section complementary in shape to a cable adapted to be used in the eye of said rod, each of said clamping members comprising a body portion surrounding said bolt and provided with an outer thrust surface, said body portion having on one side an axial extension provided with said groove.,

said groove being inclined toward the axis of said bolt at its inner end to provide a portion ot outwardly increasing thickness between the bolt and the cable.

12. A clamping member for guy rod grounding ciamps,' comprising a. substantially cylindrical metal member having. a. through bore extending longitudinally of said member, said member having a, longitudinal extension adapted to extend into the eye of a guy rod, and said extension having on its outer surface a groove Ithat is substantially circular in cross section, for engaging a cable in the eye of the guy rod, the said groove being curved longitudinally in substantially the same direction as the curvature of the cable in the eye of theA guy rod. v

DAVID C. H'UBBARD. 

